What is your position in the coffee industry?

coffee shop owner

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

Norwich, Connecticut USA

How many years have you been in the industry?

Start-up

If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?

maybe

Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.

Working to launch Downtown Joe Coffeehouse/Lounge--which will be THE only independent coffeehouse in Norwich, Connecticut. A Starbucks is about to join the "chain of chains" here-Dunkin and Tim Horton's--so we still have an amazing opportunity to break out from the chains. At this point, I am more in "learning mode"--but bring a strong understanding of branding and marketing from a 20+ career in communications and publicity in Washington, DC.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

Love to travel, and have traveled a lot in Europe, Africa, all across the US, Caribbean, some in Asia--so very open.

About Me:

Award-winning author of four non-fiction books, journalist focused on health and medical subjects based in Washington, DC. Moved "home" to Norwich, Connecticut, in 2007 to launch Downtown Joe Coffeehouse/Lounge after realizing the opportunity here for an independent to stand out from the chains, which are the only games in town.

About My Company:

Downtown Joe will stand apart from and above the local chains--including a soon-to-arrive Starbucks--by roasting our own coffee, offering excellent customer service, providing a stylish and fun venue for community activities, getting involved in the community, marketing ourselves aggressively, and being the only independent coffeehouse/lounge in town.

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

People enjoy working in it--and sharing their joy with others.

Website:

http://www.downtownjoe.biz